Russia's Vladimir Putin has thanked North Korean leader Kim Jong Un for the courage of his soldiers who have been fighting in Ukraine on the Russian side.
Kim, in response, said he was willing to do everything I can to assist Russia.
The two leaders met on Wednesday in Beijing as China held one of its largest military parades, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Asia.
Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, noted that relations between Russia and North Korea are friendly and that Pyongyang's military has helped to liberate the Kursk region.
During the talks, Putin remarked, Your soldiers fought courageously and heroically. We will never forget the sacrifices that your armed forces and the families of your servicemen have suffered.
Kim expressed his gratitude for Putin’s acknowledgement of his troops, asserting that bilateral relations are advancing across all areas and indicated that North Korea's involvement in the joint struggle with Russia in Ukraine will continue.
Reportedly, North Korea has sent approximately 15,000 troops along with military equipment to support Russia's invasion, and in return, it is believed that North Korea received food, financial assistance, and military technology.
According to sources, these North Korean soldiers have been engaged in significant military operations, including efforts to reclaim lost territory in western Kursk, suffering considerable casualties, with at least 1,000 fatalities reported in just a few months.
Putin and Kim's cooperation is expected to deepen with further commitments for military and economic support, demonstrating the strategic alliance forming between Russia and North Korea amid rising international tensions.
